Page 31 - Australian Defence Magazine July-August 2021

Advertorial
Penten cracking the code for women in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of Australia’s fastest-growing strategic sectors.
For people equipped with qualifications in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), cybersecurity offers attractive career prospects.
Research commissioned by Penten estimates that Australia’s cybersecurity workforce has grown to reach more than 26,000 people, with further solid growth predicted.
But this employment surge has not been spread evenly between the genders, with women significantly under-represented in the industry. Today, it is estimated that women comprise barely 25 per cent of the workforce in cybersecurity.
Globally, the figures are not much better, with an estimated average of 3:1 male to female ratio among cybersecurity professionals.
Historical role for women
Ironically, women played an integral role in the foundations of cybersecurity, more than 75 years ago.
During World War 2, the breaking of codes and deciphering of messages laid the foundation for today’s cyber sector. The coding and decoding of messages in wartime was generally considered a clerical task, usually performed by women.
By the 1970s, however, the rapid development of computer technology had transformed cybersecurity, and its gender composition due to masculine stereotypes.
Young men were drawn to careers in computer programming, armed with their qualifications in electronics, IT or mathematics. Women were frequently marginalised in the male-dominant sector, with little validation of their skills.
When women did persist in their role in technology, defence or cybersecurity, many women reported workplace hostilities, professional segregation and a lack of support from management, with little prospects for career advancement. Many women were also discouraged by a lack of mentoring opportunities from suitable female role models.
Removing the barriers
As a leading Australian cybersecurity business, Penten has recognised the potential to recruit more qualified women into the cyber sector.
While women presently comprise about 25 per cent of the Penten’s 130-strong workforce, the business aspires to achieve a 50:50 gender split.
We at Penten want to know why more women are not pursuing careers in cybersecurity and related roles in defence and technology. By identifying the barriers – perceived or
real – we can help to provide a smoother path to recruitment and advancement.
From July 2020, Penten hired 19 females, or 33 per cent of new hires; 12 of our current female employees have STEM qualifications. We also support women by offering female internships to university students.
It’s the mission of Penten to attract female STEM graduates with progressive, female-friendly employment packages. At Penten, those packages recognise the distinctly personal challenges that many women face in the workforce. Although we can always do better.
Generous employment provisions
Our parental care support, offers generous assistance to new mothers (and fathers). We offer six months paid leave for new parents, including paid leave for miscarriage and stillbirth.
Penten provides unlimited paid sick and carer’s leave, and unlimited paid domestic and family violence leave (the current Fair Work Australia obligation is five days’ unpaid).
Long before the Covid-19 restrictions, Penten was offering flexible working conditions, including informal arrangements for working from home.
Positive changes
Penten believes the cybersecurity sector offers substantial opportunities for female STEM employees to advance their careers in a surging industry.
Management and mentoring support will be crucial as we encourage more women to enter, stay and advance in one of Australia’s crucial professional growth sectors.
penten.com